System, method, and device for providing feedback to a patient during electrical stimulation

ABSTRACT

Feedback regarding electrical stimulation is provided to a patient. Electrical stimulation is applied to the patient. The electrical stimulation is applied by varying an electrical stimulation parameter. A signal is communicated to the patient via an electronic device. The signal is correlated with the electrical stimulation parameter such that the signal varies in association with the varying of the electrical stimulation parameter. The communicating is performed while the electrical stimulation is applied. Feedback is received from the patient in response to the electrical stimulation. Based on the received feedback from the patient, the electrical stimulation is adjusted.

PRIORITY DATA

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/044,147 filed Feb. 16, 2016, which claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/173,118, filed on Jun. 9, 2015, and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/181,827, filed on Jun. 19, 2015, the disclosures of each which are hereby incorporated by reference in their respective entireties as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes.

BACKGROUND

As medical device technologies continue to evolve, active implanted medical devices have gained increasing popularity in the medical field. For example, one type of implanted medical device includes neurostimulator devices, which include battery-powered or battery-less pulse generators that deliver electrical stimulation to a patient via an implanted lead. Through proper electrical stimulation, the neurostimulator devices can provide pain relief for patients or restore bodily functions.

The electrical stimulation parameters of the pulse generators are typically programmed by a healthcare professional using a clinician programmer device. The programming may include selecting individual electrode contacts on the implanted lead and adjusting the stimulation parameters, such as the shape of the stimulation waveform, amplitude of current in mA (or amplitude of voltage in V), pulse width in microseconds, frequency in Hz, and selecting anodic stimulation or cathodic stimulation. To provide optimal therapeutic effects, the stimulation parameters have to be carefully configured. For example, in the context of spinal cord stimulation, the healthcare professional have to determine the combination of the electrode contacts, their polarity, and the stimulation current amplitude/pulse width/frequency that will provide the best pain relief for the targeted area of the patient's body. In addition to the expertise of the healthcare professional performing the programming, finding the optimal combination of stimulation parameters may involve trial and error processes, which involves the patient's feedback to the applied stimulation. For example, the patient may provide his/her feedback regarding the applied stimulation via a patient feedback device. Based on the patient feedback, the healthcare professional may fine tune the stimulation parameters to improve the stimulation therapy.

However, existing patient feedback devices have not been able to sufficiently communicate to the patient how the stimulation parameters are being varied as a part of the stimulation programming process. In other words, even though the patient understands that one or more stimulation parameters are being varied as a part of a stimulation programming process, he/she may not intuitively perceive the varying of the stimulation parameters. This may adversely impact the accuracy of the feedback the patient provides to the healthcare professional in response to the stimulation. Therefore, although existing stimulation programming has been generally adequate for their intended purposes, they have not been entirely satisfactory in every aspect.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure involves an electronic device configured to communicate feedback to a patient while electrical stimulation is applied to the patient. The electronic device includes a communications component configured to conduct telecommunications with an electronic programmer. The electronic programmer is configured to program a stimulation parameter of the electrical stimulation such that the stimulation parameter is being varied while the electrical stimulation is applied to the patient. The electronic device also includes a feedback component configured to communicate, to the patient while the electrical stimulation is applied, a signal that is correlated with the electrical stimulation parameter such that the signal varies as the electrical stimulation parameter is being varied. The electronic device further includes a sensor component configured to detect a patient engagement with the electronic device in response to the electrical stimulation. The patient engagement is indicative of a perceived efficacy of the electrical stimulation.

Another aspect of the present disclosure involves a medical system. The medical system includes a pulse generator configured to generate electrical stimulation pulses as a part of an electrical stimulation for a patient. The medical system includes an electronic programmer configured to program the pulse generator to generate the stimulation pulses such that a stimulation parameter is varied while the electrical stimulation is delivered to the patient. The medical system includes a patient feedback device that is telecommunicatively coupled to the electronic programmer. The patient feedback device includes a feedback component configured to communicate, to the patient while the electrical stimulation is applied, a signal that is correlated with the electrical stimulation parameter such that the signal varies as the electrical stimulation parameter is being varied. The patient feedback device also includes a sensor component configured to detect a patient engagement with the patient feedback device in response to the electrical stimulation. The patient engagement is indicative of a perceived efficacy of the electrical stimulation.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure involves a method of providing feedback to a patient regarding electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation is applied to the patient. The applying of the electrical stimulation comprises varying an electrical stimulation parameter. Via an electronic device, a signal is communicated to the patient. The signal is correlated with the electrical stimulation parameter such that the signal varies in association with the varying of the electrical stimulation parameter. The signal is communicated while the electrical stimulation is applied. Feedback is received from the patient in response to the electrical stimulation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. In the figures, elements having the same designation have the same or similar functions.

FIG. 1 is stylized overview of the human nervous system.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example sacral implantation of a neurostimulation lead according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a simplified diagram illustrating an implantable neurostimulation system for stimulating nerves according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C includes a side view of a spine 50 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D includes a posterior view of the spine 50 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an example pocket programmer controller in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of components of the example pocket controller of FIGS. 3A-3B in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example patient programmer charger controller in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of components of the example patient programmer charger of FIGS. 5A-5B in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a clinician programmer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an implantable pulse generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic block diagram of a patient feedback device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are exterior views of the patient feedback device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A is a side view of a patient-feedback device inserted in the mouth of a patient according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B is a side view of a patient-feedback device with optical sensing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11C is a side view of a patient-feedback device activated by a foot of a patient according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11D is a perspective view of a patient-feedback device with optical sensing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing feedback to a patient regarding electrical stimulation according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a simplified block diagram of a medical system/infrastructure according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the invention. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Various features may be arbitrarily drawn in different scales for simplicity and clarity.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

The human nervous system includes a complex network of neurological structures that extend throughout the body. As shown in FIG. 1, the brain interconnects with the spinal cord which branches into the brachial plexus near the shoulders and the lumbar plexus and sacral plexus in the lower back. The limb peripheral nerves of the arms extend distally from the brachial plexus down each arm. Similarly, the limb peripheral nerves of the legs extend distally from the lumbar plexus and sacral plexus. A number of the larger limb peripheral nerves are identified in FIG. 1. As discussed further below, certain aspects of the present invention are suited to stimulation of the nerves shown in FIG. 1, including the spinal cord, the pudendal nerves, and the sacral nerves, etc.

FIG. 2A is a simplified diagram illustrating implantation of a neurostimulation lead 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 2A, lead 10 is inserted into body 12 of a patient, and implanted posterior to one of dorsal foramen 14 of sacrum 16. However, lead 10 alternatively may be positioned to stimulate pudendal nerves, perineal nerves, sacral spinal nerves, or other areas of the nervous system. Lead 10 may be implanted via a needle and stylet for minimal invasiveness. Positioning of lead 10 may be aided by imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopy. In some embodiments, a plurality of stimulation leads may be provided.

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an implantable neurostimulation system 19 for stimulating a nerve, such as a sacral nerve, via the lead 10. Neurostimulation system 19 delivers neurostimulation to the sacral nerves or other regions of the nervous system known to treat problems including, but are not limited to: pelvic floor disorders, urinary control disorders, fecal control disorders, interstitial cystitis, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. As shown in FIG. 2B, system 19 includes lead 10 and an implantable pulse generator (IPG). In addition, a proximal end of stimulation lead 10 may be coupled to a connector block 21 associated with the neurostimulator 20.

In some embodiments, the neurostimulator 20 includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG), and delivers neurostimulation therapy to patient 12 in the form of electrical pulses generated by the IPG. In the example of FIG. 2B, the neurostimulator 20 is implanted in the upper left buttock of patient 12, but it is understood that the neurostimulator 20 be implanted at other locations in alternative embodiments.

The lead 10 carries one or more of stimulation electrodes, e.g., 1 to 8 electrodes, to permit delivery of electrical stimulation to the target nerve, such as the sacral nerve. For example, the implantable neurostimulation system 19 may stimulate organs involved in urinary, fecal or sexual function via C-fibers or sacral nerves at the second, third, and fourth sacral nerve positions, commonly referred to as S2, S3, and S4, respectively. In some embodiments, the neurostimulator 20 may be coupled to two or more leads deployed at different positions, e.g., relative to the spinal cord or sacral nerves.

The implantable neurostimulation system 19 also may include a clinician programmer 22 and a patient programmer 23. The clinician programmer 22 may be a handheld computing device that permits a clinician to program neurostimulation therapy for patient 12, e.g., using input keys and a display. For example, using clinician programmer 22, the clinician may specify neurostimulation parameters for use in delivery of neurostimulation therapy. The clinician programmer 22 supports radio frequency telemetry with neurostimulator 20 to download neurostimulation parameters and, optionally, upload operational or physiological data stored by the neurostimulator. In this manner, the clinician may periodically interrogate neurostimulator 20 to evaluate efficacy and, if necessary, modifies the stimulation parameters.

Similar to clinician programmer 22, patient programmer 23 may be a handheld computing device. The patient programmer 23 may also include a display and input keys to allow patient 12 to interact with patient programmer 23 and implantable neurostimulator 20. In this manner, the patient programmer 23 provides the patient 12 with an interface for control of neurostimulation therapy by neurostimulator 20. For example, the patient 12 may use patient programmer 23 to start, stop or adjust neurostimulation therapy. In particular, the patient programmer 23 may permit the patient 12 to adjust stimulation parameters such as duration, amplitude, pulse width and pulse rate, within an adjustment range specified by the clinician via the clinician programmer 22.

The neurostimulator 20, clinician programmer 22, and patient programmer 23 may communicate via wireless communication, as shown in FIG. 2B. The clinician programmer 22 and patient programmer 23 may, for example, communicate via wireless communication with neurostimulator 20 using RF telemetry techniques known in the art. The clinician programmer 22 and patient programmer 23 also may communicate with each other using any of a variety of local wireless communication techniques, such as RF communication according to the 802.11 or Bluetooth specification sets, or other standard or proprietary telemetry protocols. It is also understood that although FIG. 2B illustrates the patient programmer 22 and the clinician programmer 23 as two separate devices, they may be integrated into a single programmer in some embodiments.

The present disclosure also applies to other types of neuromodulation, for example deep brain stimulation (DBS), peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), or spinal cord stimulation (SCS). An example SCS system is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 2C and 2D. Specifically, FIG. 2C includes a side view of a spine 50, and FIG. 2D includes a posterior view of the spine 50. The spine 50 includes a cervical region 52, a thoracic region 54, a lumbar region 56, and a sacrococcygeal region 58. The cervical region 52 includes the top 7 vertebrae, which may be designated with C1-C7. The thoracic region 54 includes the next 12 vertebrae below the cervical region 52, which may be designated with T1-T12. The lumbar region 56 includes the final 5 “true” vertebrae, which may be designated with L1-L5. The sacrococcygeal region 58 includes 9 fused vertebrae that make up the sacrum and the coccyx. The fused vertebrae of the sacrum may be designated with S1-S5.

Neural tissue (not illustrated for the sake of simplicity) branch off from the spinal cord through spaces between the vertebrae. The neural tissue can be individually and selectively stimulated in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For example, referring to FIG. 2D, an IPG device 60 (similar to the neurostimulator 20 in FIG. 2B) is implanted inside the body. A conductive lead 62 is electrically coupled to the circuitry inside the IPG device 60. The conductive lead 62 may be removably coupled to the IPG device 60 through a connector. A distal end of the conductive lead 62 is attached to one or more electrodes 64. The electrodes 64 are implanted adjacent to a desired nerve tissue in the thoracic region 54. Using well-established and known techniques in the art, the distal end of the lead 62 with its accompanying electrodes may be positioned along or near the epidural space of the spinal cord. It is understood that although only one conductive lead 62 is shown herein for the sake of simplicity, more than one conductive lead 62 and corresponding electrodes 64 may be implanted and connected to the IPG device 60.

The electrodes 64 deliver current drawn from the current sources in the IPG device 60, therefore generating an electric field near the neural tissue. The electric field stimulates the neural tissue to accomplish its intended functions. For example, the neural stimulation may alleviate pain in an embodiment. In other embodiments, a stimulator may be placed in different locations throughout the body and may be programmed to address a variety of problems, including for example but without limitation; prevention or reduction of epileptic seizures, weight control or regulation of heart beats.

It is understood that the IPG device 60, the lead 62, and the electrodes 64 may be implanted completely inside the body, may be positioned completely outside the body or may have only one or more components implanted within the body while other components remain outside the body. When they are implanted inside the body, the implant location may be adjusted (e.g., anywhere along the spine 50) to deliver the intended therapeutic effects of spinal cord electrical stimulation in a desired region of the spine. Furthermore, it is understood that the IPG device 60 may be controlled by an electronic programmer 70, for example the clinician programmer 22 or the patient programmer 23 shown in FIG. 2B.

FIGS. 3A-3B, 4, 5A-5B, and 6 illustrate various example embodiments of the patient pocket programmer 22 (hereinafter referred to as patient programmer for simplicity) according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In more detail, FIGS. 3A-3B, 4 are directed to a patient programmer that is implemented as a pocket controller 104, and FIGS. 5A-5B and 6 are directed to a patient programmer that is implemented as a patient programmer charger (PPC) 106.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the pocket controller 104 comprises an outer housing 120 having an on-off switch 122, a user interface comprising a plurality of control buttons 124, and a display 126. In this embodiment, the housing 120 is sized for discreetness and may be sized to fit easily in a pocket and may be about the same size as a key fob. In one example, the housing 120 forming the pocket controller 104 has a thickness of less than about 1.5 inch, a width of less than about 1.5 inch, and a height of less than about 3 inches. In another example, the housing 120 forming the pocket controller 104 has a thickness of about 0.8 inch, a width of about 1.4 inch, and a height of about 2.56 inch. However, both larger and smaller sizes are contemplated.

In this example, the control buttons 124 include two adjustment buttons 128 a, 128 b, a select button 130, and an emergency off button (not shown, but disposed on a side of the housing 120 opposing the on-off switch 122). The two adjustment buttons 128 a, 128 b allow a user to scroll or highlight available options and increase or decrease values shown on the display 126. The select button 130 allows a user to enter the value or select the highlighted options to be adjusted by actuation of the adjustment buttons 128 a, 128 b. In this example, the buttons 128 a, 128 b are used to navigate to one of the three available functions: 1) electrical stimulation on/off, 2) control stimulation amplitude adjustment, and 3) electrical stimulation program selection. Once the desired function is highlighted, the select button is pushed to allow changes (i.e. change the stimulation amplitude, select a different stimulation program, or turn the electrical stimulation on or off). In some examples, the IPG control functions of the pocket controller 104 consist of these functions. The emergency off button is disposed for easy access for a patient to turn off stimulation from the IPG 102 if the IPG provides too much stimulation or stimulation becomes uncomfortable for the patient. Allowing the user to scroll through the plurality of options (also referred to herein as operational parameters) that can be adjusted via the pocket controller 104 provides the user the confidence to carry only the pocket controller 104 while away from home. Users may be reluctant to carry only a conventional controller that allows adjustment of only a single operational parameter out of fear that they may need to adjust a different operational parameter while away from a more full-featured controller.

In the embodiment shown, the display 126 is an LCD display arranged to convey information to the user regarding selectable options, present settings, operating parameters and other information about the IPG 102 or the pocket controller 104. In this example, the display 126 shows the pocket controller's battery status at 132, the IPG's battery status at 134, the IPG's on or off status at 136, the currently selected electrical stimulation program at 138, and the amplitude setting of the running electrical stimulation program at 140. Other types of displays are also contemplated.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of components making up the pocket controller 104. It includes a user interface 150, a control module 152, a communication module 154, and a power storing controller 156. The user interface 150 is comprised of the buttons 128 a, 128 b, 130 and the display 126 described above with reference to FIG. 3A.

As can be seen, the user interface 150 is in communication with the control module 152. The control module 152 comprises a processor 158, memory, an analog-digital converter 162, and a watch dog circuit 164. The processor 158 may include a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), discrete logic circuitry, or the like. The processor 158 is configured to execute code or instructions provided in the memory. Here, the memory is comprised of flash memory 166 and RAM memory 168. However, the memory may include any volatile or non-volatile media, such as a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, and the like. In some embodiments, the memory stores sets of stimulation control parameters that are available to be selected for delivery through the communication module 154 to the IPG 102 for electrical stimulation therapy. The AD converter 162 performs known functions of converting signals and the WD 164 is arranged to time out when necessary, such as in an event where the software becomes stuck in a loop. In one embodiment, the control module 152 comprises integrated circuits disposed on a PC board.

The communication module 154 comprises a medical implant communication service (MICS) RF transceiver 172 used to communicate with the IPG 102 to communicate desired changes and to receive status updates from and relating to the IPG 102, such as battery status and any error information. As used herein, MICS refers to wireless communications in a frequency band ranging from about 402 MHz to about 405 MHz, which is dedicated for communications with implanted medical devices. In this example, the MICS RF transceiver 172 utilizes a loop antenna for the communications with the IPG 102. Other antennas, such as, for example, dipole, chip antennas, or other known in the art also may be used. The communication module 154 also includes a wake up transmitter 174, an amplifier 176, and matching networks 178. The wake up transmitter 174 operates on a high frequency and is configured to send a short signal burst to wake up the IPG 102 when it is in a power-saving mode. Once the IPG 102 is ready, a communications link can be established between the IPG 102 and pocket controller 104, and communications can then occur over the MICS transceiver 172 using a standard frequency for a medical device transmission. The matching networks 178 tunes the antenna for optimum transmission power for the frequency selected. The pocket controller 104 also includes a programming interface 182. This may be used during manufacturing to load an operating system and program the pocket controller 104.

The power storing controller 156 is configured to convert power to recharge one or more rechargeable batteries 180. The batteries 180 provide power to operate the pocket controller 104 allowing it to receive user inputs and transmit control signals to the IPG 102. Some embodiments use primary cell batteries instead of rechargeable batteries. As indicated above, this pocket controller 104 is part of a larger system that contains the PPC 106 with a rich feature set for controlling the IPG 102 and includes an integrated battery charger used to charge the IPG's battery. By providing both the pocket controller 104 and the PPC 106, the patient can have a small unobtrusive device to carry around as they go about their daily business and a larger more full featured device which they can use in the comfort and privacy of their homes.

The pocket controller 104 is not only comfortable to carry in a pocket, but can also be attached to a key ring, lanyard, or other such carrying device for ease of daily use. Its functions are a subset of functions found on the PPC 106, and permit a user to power stimulation from the IPG on and off (i.e., the IPG 102 remains on, but stimulation is toggled between the on state when the IPG 102 is emitting electrical pulses and the off state when the IPG 102 is not emitting electrical pulses but remains in the standby mode for additional communications from the pocket controller 104, the PPC 106, or both), select which electrical stimulation program to run, and globally adjust the amplitude of electrical pulses emitted in a series of electrical pulses emitted by the IPG 102. By limiting the functions of the pocket controller to those most commonly used on a daily basis, the device becomes much less intimidating to the patient, and allows it to be kept very small. By keeping the device small, such as about key fob size, it becomes unobtrusive and the patient is more comfortable with having and using an implanted device.

FIGS. 5A-5B show the PPC 106 in greater detail. FIG. 5A is a front view of the PPC and FIG. 5B is a top view of FIG. 5A. The PPC 106 performs all the same operating functions as the pocket controller 104, but includes additional operating functions making it a multi-function full-featured, advanced patient controller charger. In the embodiment shown, the PPC 106 provides a simple but rich feature set to the more advanced user, along with the charging functions.

The PPC 106 includes a controller-charger portion 200 and a coil portion 202 connected by a flexible cable 204 and sharing components as described below. The controller-charger portion 200 comprises an outer housing 206 having an on-off switch 208 on its side, a plurality of control buttons 210, and a display 212, and an emergency off button (not shown, but disposed on a side of the housing 206 opposing the on-off switch 208). In this embodiment, the control buttons 210 are icons on the display 212, and the display is a full color, touchscreen, graphical user interface. In addition, the controller-charger portion 200 includes a home button 214 configured to return the displayed images to a home screen. The controller-charger portion 200 is larger than the pocket controller 104 and in one embodiment is sized with a height greater than about 3 inches, a width greater than about 2.5 inches, and a thickness greater than about 0.8 inch. In another embodiment, the controller-charger portion is sized with a width of about 3.1 inches, a height of about 4.5 inches, and thickness of about 0.96 inches, although both larger and smaller sizes are contemplated.

In this example, the control buttons 210 allow a user to select a desired feature for control or further display. Particularly, the control buttons 210 enable functions of the PPC 106 that are the same as those of the pocket controller 104 (stimulation on/off, program stimulation amplitude adjustment, and stimulation program selection) along with additional features including: charging IPG battery, individual pulse stimulation amplitude adjustment that adjusts an amplitude of an individual pulse relative to the amplitude of an adjacent pulse in a series of pulses emitted by the IPG 102, stimulation program frequency adjustment, individual pulse width adjustment, detailed IPG status, detailed PPC status, PPC setup/configuration, a PPC battery status indicator, PPC to IPG communication status indicator, and other items and functions. The detailed IPG status may include, for example, IPG serial number and IPG software revision level. Detailed PPC status may include, for example, date and time setting, brightness control, audio volume and mute control, and PPC serial number and software revision level.

By having a pocket controller 104 that is limited to a plurality, such as only three controls (stimulation on/off, program amplitude adjust, and stimulation program selection), for example, a user can quickly and easily identify and select the features that are most commonly used. Features that are used less frequently, such as IPG recharge, are included on the full-featured PPC, but not the pocket controller 104. Features that are seldom accessed, or not accessed at all by some users, including individual pulse amplitude adjust, pulse width adjust, stimulation program frequency adjust, or serial number and software revision information, are also not included on the limited-feature pocket controller, but are included on the PPC. This allows the pocket controller to be significantly smaller, with a very simple and easy to user interface, as compared to systems that need to support all of these features.

Referring to the example shown in FIG. 5A, the touchscreen display 212 is arranged to convey information to the user regarding selectable options, current settings, operating parameters and other information about the IPG 102 or the PPC 106. In this example, the display 212 shows a MICS communication indicator 220, the PPC's battery status at 222, the IPG's battery status at 224, the IPG's on or off status at 226, the currently selected electrical stimulation program at 228, and the amplitude setting of the active electrical stimulation program at 230. In addition, the display 212 shows the frequency 232, the pulse width setting 234, a selectable status icon for accessing detailed PPC information 236, a selectable status icon for accessing detailed IPG information 238, and a selectable icon for enabling IPG charging 240. Selecting any single icon may activate another menu within that selected subject area. The controller-charger portion 200 may include a rechargeable battery whose charge status is shown by the PPC's battery status at 222.

The coil portion 202 is configured to wirelessly charge the batteries in the IPG 102. In use, the coil portion 202 is applied against the patient's skin or clothing externally so that energy can be inductively transmitted and stored in the IPG battery. As noted above, the coil portion 202 is connected with the integrated controller-charger portion 200. Accordingly, the controller-charger portion 200 can simultaneously display the current status of the coil portion 204, the battery power level of the IPG 102, as well as the battery power level of the PPC. Accordingly, controlling and charging can occur in a more simplistic, time-effective manner, where the patient can perform all IPG maintenance in a single sitting. In addition, since the most commonly used features of the PPC 106 are already functional on the pocket controller, the PPC 106 may be left at home when the user does not desire to carry the larger, more bulky PPC.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the components making up the PPC 106. It includes a user interface 250, a control module 252, a communication module 254, an IPG power charging module 256, and a power storing module 258. The user interface 250 is comprised of the buttons 210 and the display 212 described above. In this embodiment however, the user interface 250 also includes one or more LEDs 266 signifying whether the PPC 106 is charging or powered on and a backlight 268 that illuminates the color display. In some embodiments, these LEDs may have colors symbolizing the occurring function. An LED driver 270 and a speaker or amplifier 272 also form a part of the user interface 250.

As can be seen, the user interface 250 is in communication with the control module 252. The control module 252 comprises a processor 276, memory 278, and a power management integrated circuit (PMIC)/real time clock (RTC) 280. In the example shown, the control module 252 also includes a Wi-Fi RF transceiver 282 that allows the PPC 106 to connect to a wireless network for data transfer. For example, it may permit doctor-patient interaction via the internet, remote access to PPC log files, remote diagnostics, and other information transfer functions. The PMIC 280 is configured to control the charging aspects of the PPC 106. The Wi-Fi transceiver 282 enables Wi-Fi data transfer for programming the PPC 106, and may permit wireless access to stored data and operating parameters. Some embodiments also include a Bluetooth RF transceiver for communication with, for example, a Bluetooth enabled printer, a keyboard, etc.

In one embodiment, the control module 252 also includes an AD converter and a watch dog circuit as described above with reference to the control module 252. Here, the memory 278 is comprised of flash memory and RAM memory, but may be other memory as described above. In some embodiments, the processor 276 is an embedded processor running a WinCE operating system (or any real time OS) with the graphics interface 250, and the memory 278 stores sets of stimulation control parameters that are available to be selected for delivery through the communication module 254 to the IPG 102 for electrical stimulation therapy. In one embodiment, the control module 252 comprises integrated circuits disposed on a PC board.

The communication module 254 comprises a MICS RF transceiver 290, a wake up transmitter 292, an amplifier 294, and matching networks 296. The communication module 254 may be similar to the communication module 154 discussed above, and will not be further described here. The PPC 206 also includes a programming interface 298 that may be used during manufacturing to load an operating system and program the PPC 206.

The power storing module 258 is configured to convert power to recharge one or more rechargeable batteries 302. In this embodiment, the batteries 302 are lithium-ion cells that provide power to operate the PPC 106 allowing it to receive user inputs, transmit control signals to, and charge the IPG 102. The power storing module 258 includes a connector 304 for connecting to a power source, a power protection detection circuit 306 for protecting the PPC from power surges, and linear power supplies 308 for assisting with the electric transfer to charge the batteries 302. As can be seen, the control module 252 aids with the charging and is configured to monitor and send the battery charge level to the user interface 250 for display. The connector 304 connects the PPC, directly or indirectly, to a power source (not shown) such as a conventional wall outlet for receiving electrical current. In some embodiments, the connector 304 comprises a cradle.

The power charging module 256 communicates with the control module 252 and is arranged to magnetically or inductively charge the IPG 102. In the embodiments shown, it is magnetically or inductively coupled to the IPG 102 to charge rechargeable batteries on the IPG 102. The charging module 256 includes components in both the controller-charger portion 200 and the coil portion 202 (FIGS. 5A-5B). It includes switch boost circuitry 316, a load power monitor 318, an LSK demodulator 321, a ASK modulator 322, a current mode transmitter 324, an ADC 326, and coils 328. As can be seen, the control module 252 aids with the charging and is configured to monitor and send the IPG battery charge level to the user interface 250 for display.

In this embodiment, the coils 328 are disposed in the coil portion 202 and are configured to create magnetic or inductive coupling with components in the IPG 102. Since the coil portion 202 is integrated with the controller-charger portion 200, both operate from a single battery 302. Accordingly, as can be seen by the circuitry, the battery 302 powers the control module 252 and all its associated components. In addition, the battery 302 powers the power charging module 256 for recharging the IPG 102.

Because the coil portion 202 is integrated with the controller-charger portion 200, the control module 252 provides a single control interface and a single user interface for performing both functions of controlling the IPG 102 and of charging the IPG 102. In addition, because the controller-charger portion 200 and the coil portion 202 are integrated, the controller-charger portion 200 simultaneously controls both the current status of the charger, the battery power level of the IPG 102, as well as the battery power level of the PPC. Accordingly, controlling and charging can occur in a more simplistic, time-effective manner, where the patient can perform all IPG maintenance in a single sitting. In addition, since the most commonly used features of the PPC 106 are already functional on the pocket controller, the PPC 106 may be left at home when the user does not desire to carry the larger, more bulky PPC.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of one example embodiment of a clinician programmer (CP), for example the CP 22 shown in FIG. 2B. The CP 22 includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”) that is populated with a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and protection to the CP 22. With reference to FIG. 7, the CP includes a processor 300. The processor 300 is a controller for controlling the CP 22 and, indirectly, the IPG 20 as discussed further below. In one construction, the processor 300 is an applications processor model i.MX515 available from Freescale Semiconductor. More specifically, the i.MX515 applications processor has internal instruction and data cashes, multimedia capabilities, external memory interfacing, and interfacing flexibility. Further information regarding the i.MX515 applications processor can be found in, for example, the “IMX510EC, Rev. 4” data sheet; dated August 2010; published by Freescale Semiconductor at www.freescale.com, the content of the data sheet being incorporated herein by reference. Of course, other processing units, such as other microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, etc., can be used in place of the processor 300.

The CP 22 includes memory, which can be internal to the processor 300 (e.g., memory 305), external to the processor 300 (e.g., memory 310), or a combination of both. Exemplary memory include a read-only memory (“ROM”), a random access memory (“RAM”), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), a flash memory, a hard disk, or another suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory device. The processor 300 executes software that is capable of being stored in the RAM (e.g., during execution), the ROM (e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-transitory computer readable medium such as another memory or a disc. The CP 22 also includes input/output (“I/O”) systems that include routines for transferring information between components within the processor 300 and other components of the CP 22 or external to the CP 22.

Software included in the implementation of the CP 22 is stored in the memory 305 of the processor 300, memory 310 (e.g., RAM or ROM), or external to the CP 22. The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more applications, program data, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The processor 300 is configured to retrieve from memory and execute, among other things, instructions related to the control processes and methods described below for the CP 22. For example, the processor 300 is configured to execute instructions retrieved from the memory 140 for establishing a protocol to control the IPG 20.

One memory shown in FIG. 7 is memory 310, which can be a double data rate (DDR2) synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) for storing data relating to and captured during the operation of the CP 22. In addition, a secure digital (SD) multimedia card (MMC) can be coupled to the CP for transferring data from the CP to the memory card via slot 315. Of course, other types of data storage devices can be used in place of the data storage devices shown in FIG. 7.

The CP 22 includes multiple bi-directional radio communication capabilities. Specific wireless portions included with the CP 22 are a Medical Implant Communication Service (MICS) bi-direction radio communication portion 320, a Wi-Fi bi-direction radio communication portion 325, and a Bluetooth bi-direction radio communication portion 330. The MICS portion 320 includes a MICS communication interface, an antenna switch, and a related antenna, all of which allows wireless communication using the MICS specification. The Wi-Fi portion 325 and Bluetooth portion 330 include a Wi-Fi communication interface, a Bluetooth communication interface, an antenna switch, and a related antenna all of which allows wireless communication following the Wi-Fi Alliance standard and Bluetooth Special Interest Group standard. Of course, other wireless local area network (WLAN) standards and wireless personal area networks (WPAN) standards can be used with the CP 22.

The CP 22 includes three hard buttons: a “home” button 335 for returning the CP to a home screen for the device, a “quick off” button 340 for quickly deactivating stimulation IPG, and a “reset” button 345 for rebooting the CP 22. The CP 22 also includes an “ON/OFF” switch 350, which is part of the power generation and management block (discussed below).

The CP 22 includes multiple communication portions for wired communication. Exemplary circuitry and ports for receiving a wired connector include a portion and related port for supporting universal serial bus (USB) connectivity 355, including a Type-A port and a Micro-B port; a portion and related port for supporting Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) connectivity 360, and a portion and related port for supporting universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) connectivity 365. Of course, other wired communication standards and connectivity can be used with or in place of the types shown in FIG. 7.

Another device connectable to the CP 22, and therefore supported by the CP 22, is an external display. The connection to the external display can be made via a micro High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) 370, which provides a compact audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data to the external display. The use of the HDMI connection 370 allows the CP 22 to transmit video (and audio) communication to an external display. This may be beneficial in situations where others (e.g., the surgeon) may want to view the information being viewed by the healthcare professional. The surgeon typically has no visual access to the CP 22 in the operating room unless an external screen is provided. The HDMI connection 370 allows the surgeon to view information from the CP 22, thereby allowing greater communication between the clinician and the surgeon. For a specific example, the HDMI connection 370 can broadcast a high definition television signal that allows the surgeon to view the same information that is shown on the LCD (discussed below) of the CP 22.

The CP 22 includes a touchscreen I/O device 375 for providing a user interface with the clinician. The touchscreen display 375 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) having a resistive, capacitive, or similar touch-screen technology. It is envisioned that multitouch capabilities can be used with the touchscreen display 375 depending on the type of technology used.

The CP 22 includes a camera 380 allowing the device to take pictures or video. The resulting image files can be used to document a procedure or an aspect of the procedure. For example, the camera 380 can be used to take pictures of barcodes associated with the IPG 20 or the leads 120, or documenting an aspect of the procedure, such as the positioning of the leads. Similarly, it is envisioned that the CP 22 can communicate with a fluoroscope or similar device to provide further documentation of the procedure. Other devices can be coupled to the CP 22 to provide further information, such as scanners or RFID detection. Similarly, the CP 22 includes an audio portion 385 having an audio codec circuit, audio power amplifier, and related speaker for providing audio communication to the user, such as the clinician or the surgeon.

The CP 22 further includes a power generation and management block 390. The power generation and management block 390 has a power source (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) and a power supply for providing multiple power voltages to the processor, LCD touchscreen, and peripherals.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an example embodiment of an IPG, for example an embodiment of the IPG 20 shown in FIG. 2B. The IPG 20 includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”) that is populated with a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and protection to the IPG 20. With reference to FIG. 8, the IPG 20 includes a communication portion 400 having a transceiver 405, a matching network 410, and antenna 412. The communication portion 400 receives power from a power ASIC (discussed below), and communicates information to/from the microcontroller 415 and a device (e.g., the CP 22) external to the IPG 20. For example, the IPG 20 can provide bi-direction radio communication capabilities, including Medical Implant Communication Service (MICS) bi-direction radio communication following the MICS specification.

The IPG 20, as previously discussed, provides stimuli to electrodes 150 of an implanted medical electrical lead 110. As shown in FIG. 8, N electrodes 150 are connected to the IPG 20. In addition, the enclosure or housing 420 of the IPG 20 can act as an electrode. The stimuli are provided by a stimulation portion 425 in response to commands from the microcontroller 415. The stimulation portion 425 includes a stimulation application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 430 and circuitry including blocking capacitors and an over-voltage protection circuit. As is well known, an ASIC is an integrated circuit customized for a particular use, rather than for general purpose use. ASICs often include processors, memory blocks including ROM, RAM, EEPROM, Flash, etc. The stimulation ASIC 430 can include a processor, memory, and firmware for storing preset pulses and protocols that can be selected via the microcontroller 415. The providing of the pulses to the electrodes 150 is controlled through the use of a waveform generator and amplitude multiplier of the stimulation ASIC 430, and the blocking capacitors and overvoltage protection circuitry of the stimulation portion 425, as is known in the art. The stimulation portion 425 of the IPG 20 receives power from the power ASIC (discussed below). The stimulation ASIC 430 also provides signals to the microcontroller 415. More specifically, the stimulation ASIC 430 can provide impedance values for the channels associated with the electrodes 150, and also communicate calibration information with the microcontroller 415 during calibration of the IPG 20.

The IPG 20 also includes a power supply portion 440. The power supply portion includes a rechargeable battery 445, fuse 450, power ASIC 455, recharge coil 460, rectifier 463 and data modulation circuit 465. The rechargeable battery 445 provides a power source for the power supply portion 440. The recharge coil 460 receives a wireless signal from the PPC 135. The wireless signal includes an energy that is converted and conditioned to a power signal by the rectifier 463. The power signal is provided to the rechargeable battery 445 via the power ASIC 455. The power ASIC 455 manages the power for the IPG 20. The power ASIC 455 provides one or more voltages to the other electrical and electronic circuits of the IPG 155. The data modulation circuit 465 controls the charging process.

The IPG also includes a sensor section 470 that includes a thermistor 475, an accelerometer 478, and a magnetic sensor 480. The thermistor 475 detects temperature of the IPG. The accelerometer detects motion or movement of the IPG, and the magnetic sensor 480 provides a “hard” switch upon sensing a magnet for a defined period. The signal from the magnetic sensor 480 can provide an override for the IPG 20 if a fault is occurring with the IPG 20 and is not responding to other controllers. The magnetic sensor 480 can also be used to turn on and off stimulation.

The IPG 20 is shown in FIG. 8 as having a microcontroller 415. Generally speaking, the microcontroller 415 is a controller for controlling the IPG 20. The microcontroller 415 includes a suitable programmable portion 481 (e.g., a microprocessor or a digital signal processor), a memory 482, and a bus or other communication lines. An exemplary microcontroller capable of being used with the IPG is a model MSP430 ultra-low power, mixed signal processor by Texas Instruments. More specifically, the MSP430 mixed signal processor has internal RAM and flash memories, an internal clock, and peripheral interface capabilities. Further information regarding the MSP 430 mixed signal processor can be found in, for example, the “MSP430G2x32, MSP430G2x02 MIXED SIGNAL MICROCONTROLLER” data sheet; dated December 2010, published by Texas Instruments at www.ti.com; the content of the data sheet being incorporated herein by reference.

The IPG 20 includes memory, which can be internal to the control device (such as memory 482), external to the control device (such as serial memory 495), or a combination of both. Exemplary memory include a read-only memory (“ROM”), a random access memory (“RAM”), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), a flash memory, a hard disk, or another suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory device. The programmable portion 481 executes software that is capable of being stored in the RAM (e.g., during execution), the ROM (e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-transitory computer readable medium such as another memory or a disc.

Software included in the implementation of the IPG 20 is stored in the memory 482. The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more applications, program data, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The programmable portion 481 is configured to retrieve from memory and execute, among other things, instructions related to the control processes and methods described below for the IPG 20. For example, the programmable portion 481 is configured to execute instructions retrieved from the memory 482 for sweeping the electrodes in response to a signal from the CP 22.

The PCB also includes a plurality of additional passive and active components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, integrated circuits, and amplifiers. These components are arranged and connected to provide a plurality of electrical functions to the PCB including, among other things, filtering, signal conditioning, or voltage regulation, as is commonly known.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary handheld patient feedback device or patient feedback tool (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as PFD or PFT) 500 for use in a neurostimulation system, and FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrammatic illustrations of the PFT 500 according to various example embodiments. As discussed above, for the healthcare professional to configure stimulation parameters to optimize the stimulation therapy delivered to the patient, feedback from the patient is needed to determine the efficacy of the stimulation delivered to the patient. According to the various aspects of the present disclosure, the PFD 500 not only offers a way for the patient to provide feedback in response to the received stimulation, but it also offers a way for the patient to receive feedback regarding the process of programming the stimulation parameter. For example, as a stimulation parameter is being varied as a part of stimulation programming, the PFD 500 may communicate the varying of the stimulation parameter to the patient in a manner that is easily perceived and understood by the patient, as discussed in more detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10A-10B, the PFT 500 includes a housing 502 which may have one or more of a sensor, a controller, and/or a communication port connected thereto. The construction of the PFT 500 shown in FIG. 9 includes two inputs 504 and 505 in communication with the housing 502 of the device 500 and one input 510 internal to the housing 502. One of the external inputs 504 is a binary ON/OFF switch, for example activated by the patient's thumb, to allow the patient to immediately deactivate stimulation. Input 504 may be coupled to the controller 525 via electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection and/or debouncing circuits. The second input 505 includes a force sensor sensing the pressure or force exerted by the patient's hand. Input/sensor 505 may be coupled to the controller 525 via ESD protection, signal conditioning, and/or signal amplification circuits. The sensed parameter can be either isotonic (constant force, measuring the distance traversed) or isometric (measured force, proportional to pressure applied by patient). The resulting signal from the sensor 505 is analog and, therefore, after the signal is conditioned and/or amplified, it can be passed to microcontroller 525 via an analog-to-digital converter.

The internal input 510 for the PFT 500 may be a motion sensor. The sensor 510, upon detecting motion, initiates activation of the PFT 500. The device 500 stays active until movement is not detected by the sensor 510 for a time period, which in various constructions may be between one second and five minutes. Power is provided by an internal battery 520 that can be replaceable and/or rechargeable, which in various constructions has an approximately three hour life under continuous use. As discussed below, a motion sensor such as sensor 510 can also be used to obtain feedback from the patient regarding paresthesia.

The processing of the inputs from the sensors 504 and 505 takes place in a controller, such as a microcontroller 525. An exemplary microcontroller capable of being used with the invention is microcontroller 525, which includes a suitable programmable portion 530 (e.g., a microprocessor or a digital signal processor), a memory 535, and a bus 540 or other communication lines. Output data of the microcontroller 525 is sent via a Bluetooth bi-direction radio communication port 545 to the CP (clinician programmer). The Bluetooth portion 545 includes a Bluetooth communication interface, an antenna switch, and a related antenna, all of which allows wireless communication following the Bluetooth Special Interest Group standard. Other forms of wired and wireless communication between the PFT 500 and other components of the system including the CP are also possible. Other outputs may include indicators (such as light-emitting diodes) for communicating stimulation activity 550, sensor activation 555, device power 560, and battery status 565.

The housing 502 of the PFT 500 may be cylindrical in shape, and in one particular construction the cylinder is approximately 35 mm in diameter and 80 mm in length. In other constructions the cylinder is larger or smaller in diameter and/or length, for example in order to accommodate hands of varying sizes. In various constructions the diameter can range from 20 to 50 mm and the length from 30 to 120 mm, although other sizes above and below these ranges are also possible.

Furthermore, the shape of the PFT 500 can be other than a circular cross-section, for example oval, square, hexagonal, or other shape. Still further, the cross-section of the PFT 500 can vary along its length, for example being cylindrical in some portions and oval, square, hexagonal or other shape(s) in other portions. In yet other constructions, the PFT 500 has a spherical, toroid, or other shape.

The housing 502 may be made from a resilient material such as rubber or plastic with one or more sensor 505 coupled to or supported by the housing 502. The manner in which the sensor 505 is coupled to the housing 502 depends on the type of sensor that is employed, as discussed below. Thus, when the patient applies a force to the housing 502, the sensor 505 generates a signal that generally is proportional to the degree of force applied. Although the discussion herein mentions the patient using his or her hand to generate force to squeeze the housing 502 of the PFT 500, in various constructions the patient may instead use other body parts, such as the mouth or foot, to generate force. More generally, the patient can generate feedback by a physical action, usually a force applied by the hand or other body part, but the physical action can include other movements, such as movement of the patient's eyes, head, or hands, to generate a feedback signal.

After the signal is generated, it is transmitted from the sensor 505 to the controller 525. The controller 525 processes the signal and, based on one or more such signals from the sensor 505, the controller 525 generates another signal that is to be transmitted to the CP. The controller 525 sends the signal to be transmitted to the communication port 545 of the PFT 500 from which it is then transmitted to the CP or other external device. As discussed further below, the signal can be transmitted from the communication port 545 to the CP using various wired or wireless methods of communication.

In various constructions, an isotonic force sensor may include a sensor that measures the distance traveled by the sensor with relatively constant force applied by the patient. Isotonic force sensors may include a trigger 570 (See FIG. 10A) or other lever mechanism coupled to a wiper 572 that moves along a rheostat 574 or across a series of detectors. Exemplary detectors include electrical contacts or optical detectors, such as photodiodes. In other constructions, an isometric force sensor may include a strain gauge, a piezoelectric device, or a pressure sensor, each of which measures force that is proportional to the pressure applied to the PFT 500 by the patient, generally with only a small amount of travel or shape change to the sensor.

Both the isotonic and isometric sensors generate an electrical signal that is proportional to the force that is applied to the sensor. An isometric force sensor may be incorporated into a relatively stiff object such that only slight deformation of the object is needed to register a change in force. In still other constructions, the force sensor may include a combination of elements, such as a trigger or other lever that experiences increasing resistance or pressure as the travel distance increases. For example, increasing resistance or pressure can be created by attaching a relatively stiff spring to the lever or wiper mechanism to increase resistance as the lever or wiper is moved.

In some constructions (e.g. as shown in FIG. 10B), the PFT 500 includes a feedback mechanism 580 that indicates to the patient the amount of force that is detected by the force sensor 505. The feedback mechanism 580 may include one or more of a visual, audible, or tactile feedback mechanism that is used to indicate to the patient the degree to which the sensor 505 has been activated, e.g., how much force has been applied or how much the lever or wiper mechanism has traveled. The feedback mechanism gives the patient a sense of whether their activation of the sensor 505 is being detected at what the patient feels is the correct level and to give the patient a means to make their activation of the sensor 505 more consistent.

Visual feedback mechanisms 590 can include a series of lights (e.g. LEDs) or a digital readout (e.g. a numerical display); audible feedback can include sounds that vary in amplitude (volume) and/or tone; and tactile feedback mechanisms can include vibration of the PFT 500 and/or altering the shape of the surface of the PFT 500 (e.g. raising of one or more structures such as dots to form Braille-type patterns) in a location that is capable of contacting the patient's skin. Using a combination of feedback modalities will benefit patients who have sensory impairments, including, e.g., impaired hearing and/or sight.

The feedback can include a semi-quantitative indication of the patient's response, e.g. including a variety of (e.g. 1-5 or 1-10) intensity levels to indicate a relative degree of force applied by the patient. The patient will then be able to see, hear, and/or feel the level of force that is sensed by the sensor 505 of the PFT 500, to help the patient confirm that their response to the stimulus was received, as well as the degree of response that was registered. The correlation between the level of force applied and the output of the feedback mechanism 580 can be calibrated separately for each patient during an initial calibration session.

To facilitate gripping of the PFT 500, the housing 502, in certain constructions, may be covered with one or more surfaces, textures, or materials to improve grip, such as grooves, stipples, indentations, rubber, or plastic, and may include a wrist strap 582 to keep the PFT 500 from falling if it is dropped by the patient.

The PFT 500, in some constructions, may also include a connection feedback mechanism, particularly where the PFT 500 is in wireless communication with the CP. The connection feedback mechanism can include one or more of a visual, audible, or tactile mechanism to inform the patient and/or medical personnel of whether the PFT 500 is maintaining a connection with the CP, the strength of the connection, and/or if the connection has been lost. For example, the PFT 500 may emit a signal (e.g. light, sound, and/or tactile) at regular (e.g. one minute) intervals to confirm that communication is still maintained.

Conversely, the PFT 500 may emit such a signal only if communication is lost. In some constructions, the PFT 500 may tolerate brief intervals in which the signal is lost (e.g. a predetermined time, generally between 0.1-100 sec) before the patient is warned of a possible lost connection. In various constructions, the controller 525 of the PFT 500 includes memory that permits buffering of a limited amount of data, which can be used to accumulate data prior to sending to the CP and which can hold data during brief intervals in which the connection is lost. In various constructions, if communication between the PFT 500 and the CP is lost for more than a predetermined interval of time, then the CP stops stimulation of electrodes until a connection with the PFT 500 is reestablished.

Thus, according to various constructions, the PFT 500 may include one or more of: a sound generating mechanism 584 (e.g. a speaker); a tactile mechanism 586 such as a vibration device and/or a mechanism for creating a raised pattern; a digital numerical readout 588 (e.g. LED or LCD display); and one or more indicator lights 590 (e.g. a series of LEDs); which may be employed to provide feedback to the patient regarding the force being applied and/or communication status.

According to the various aspects of the present disclosure, the various types of feedback mechanisms discussed above may also be used to communicate to the patient a machine-generated feedback signal that is correlated with an electrical stimulation parameter of an electrical stimulation therapy that is being delivered to the patient. For example, during stimulation programming, the healthcare professional may adjust one or more stimulation parameters as electrical stimulation is being delivered to the patient, in order to determine the efficacy of the stimulation therapy. The electrical stimulation parameter may include (but are not necessarily limited to) stimulation current amplitude, stimulation frequency, pulse width, different combinations of activated electrode contacts, and polarity (anode or cathode) or activated electrode contacts. During this process, the PFT 500 generates one or more feedback signals to inform the patient as to how one or more of the electrical stimulation parameters are being adjusted. In some embodiments, the feedback signal being communicated back to the patient varies in association (e.g., proportionally or linearly) with one of the electrical stimulation parameters.

The feedback signal may be a haptic feedback signal that is generated by the tactile feedback mechanism 586 shown in FIG. 10B. In some embodiments, the haptic feedback signal may include a touch-related signal. For example, the tactile feedback mechanism 586 may generate a buzz or vibration that varies as a stimulation parameter (e.g., stimulation current amplitude) is being ramped up or ramped down. The buzz or vibration may be generated by tiny electric motors or a piezoelectric device implemented in the tactile feedback mechanism 586. In some embodiments, as a stimulation parameter is being ramped up (e.g., stimulation current amplitude is increased), the frequency of the buzz or vibration provided by the tactile feedback mechanism 586 may increase accordingly, and/or the amount of force (i.e., intensity) of the buzz or vibration may increase accordingly as well. Conversely, as a stimulation parameter is being ramped down (e.g., stimulation current amplitude is decreased), the frequency of the buzz or vibration provided by the tactile feedback mechanism 586 may decrease accordingly, and/or the amount of force of the buzz or vibration may decrease accordingly as well. The frequency and/or intensity of the buzz or vibration provided by the feedback mechanism 586 may vary in a similar manner as a stimulation frequency or the pulse width is ramped up or down. In this manner, the vibration (one example form of haptic feedback) provided by the PFT 500 is correlated with the stimulation parameter of the electrical stimulation therapy being delivered to the patient.

In addition to the vibration signal, the PFT 500 can generate other types of feedback signals that are also correlated with the stimulation parameter of the electrical submission therapy. In some embodiments, the feedback signal correlated with assimilation a stimulation parameter may include a visual signal provided by the series of LED lights 590 or by the numerical readout 588 discussed above. For example, as a stimulation parameter is being ramped up (e.g., stimulation current amplitude is increased), an increasing number of LEDs are lit up, or the colors of one or more of the LEDs may change from a cooler tone to a warmer tone (or vice versa), or the intensity of the light provided by one or more of the LEDs may change from dim to bright, or the numerical display 588 may display an increasing numerical value (e.g., from 1 to 10). Conversely, as the stimulation parameters being ramped down (e.g., stimulation current amplitude is decreased), a decreasing number of LEDs are lit up, or the colors of one or more of the LEDs may change from a warmer tone to a cooler tone (or vice versa), or the intensity of the light provided by one or more of the LEDs may change from bright to dim, or the numerical display 588 may display a decreasing numerical value (e.g., from 10 to 1).

In some embodiments, the feedback signal correlated with assimilation a stimulation parameter may include an audible signal provided by the sound generating mechanism 584. For example, as a stimulation parameter is being ramped up (e.g., stimulation frequency is increased), the sound generating mechanism 584 may generate an audible signal that is getting louder (i.e., volume increase) or higher pitched (i.e., frequency increase). Conversely, as the stimulation parameter is being ramped down (e.g., stimulation frequency is decreased), the sound generating mechanism 584 may generate an audible signal that is getting quieter (i.e., volume decrease) or lower pitched (i.e., frequency decrease).

In some embodiments, the feedback signal correlated with a stimulation parameter may include a temperature-related signal. For example, while a stimulation parameter is being ramped up (e.g., pulse width is increased), the housing 502 may get warmer (within an acceptable limit for humans so it does not cause discomfort). Conversely, as the stimulation parameter is being ramped down (e.g., pulse with is decreased), the housing 502 may get cooler. In some embodiments, the warming or cooling of the housing 502 may be implemented by increasing or decreasing a current flowing through a heat-producing resistor located on or near the housing.

The various types of machine-produced feedback signals may also be used to communicate the changing of the electrode combination or electrode polarity to the patient. For example, the PFT 500 may generate different levels of vibrations (with distinct amplitudes and/or frequencies) to correspond with different combinations of electrodes being activated. As another example, the LEDs may flash a first color to indicate an anodic current and a second color to indicate a cathodic current.

Based on the above discussions, it can be seen that the present disclosure allows the patient to receive machine-generated feedback regarding how a stimulation parameter of the stimulation therapy is being varied. This offers the patient more control in helping the healthcare professional fine tune the stimulation therapy. In other words, by easily perceiving and understanding how the stimulation therapy is being adjusted, the patient may feel more empowered and thus may become a more active participant in the stimulation programming process. This is especially true when the stimulation occurs in a sub-threshold region, where the patient technically may not “feel” the stimulation yet, for example due to a stimulation current amplitude that is below a perception threshold of the patient. The perception threshold is discussed in more detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/279,415, filed on May 16, 2014, entitled “System and Method of Providing Computer Assisted Stimulation Programming (CASP)” to Kaula, et. al, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In the case of sub-threshold stimulation, the various types of feedback provided by the PFT 500 discussed above gives the patient an “artificial” feedback of the stimulation parameter that is being varied, whether it is the amplitude, frequency, pulse width, electrode combination, or electrode polarity. The patient then provides his/her feedback regarding the efficacy of the electrical stimulation therapy via the PFT 500. Based on the feedback provided by the patient, the healthcare professional may further adjust the stimulation therapy, for example by varying stimulation parameters in case the efficacy is not sufficient, or by saving certain stimulation parameters in case the efficacy is sufficient. Again, since the patient feels more empowered by “knowing” how the stimulation parameters are being varied, the feedback offered by the patient regarding the efficacy of the stimulation therapy is more accurate, which allows the healthcare professional to better adjust the stimulation therapy.

Referring back to FIG. 9, various types of sensing mechanisms can be used for the sensor 505, which would depend in part on the type of housing 502 that is used with the PFT 500. For example, if the housing 502 is a sealed, flexible compartment (e.g. a ball or other object filled with gel, air, or liquid) a piezoelectric-based pressure sensing mechanism can be used as the sensor 505 in order to measure changes in pressure when the patient squeezes or relaxes his/her grip on the PFT 500. Alternatively, a rheostat 574 or other linear sensing mechanism can be used with a pistol grip style PFT 500 design (FIG. 10A), where a trigger 570 is coupled to a wiper 572 that moves across the rheostat 574 or other linear sensor.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate other embodiments of the PFT for receiving patient feedback. More specifically, FIG. 11A shows a mouth-piece 620 that is inserted into the mouth of the patient. The user provides feedback by biting the mouthpiece. FIG. 11B shows an optical sensor 630 (such as a camera and related image processing software) that detects visual cues from a patient. An example visual cue may be the blinking of the patient's eyes. FIG. 11C shows a foot pedal 640 that receives input through the patient's manipulation of a switch and/or sensor with his foot. FIG. 11D shows a wearable electronic device 650 that can be interactively engaged by the user, for example by the user's eyes or hands. In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device 650 may be a device similar to Google Glass, for example a device as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/212,686, filed on Aug. 18, 2011, entitled “Wearable Device with Input and Output Structures” to Olsson, et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device 650 may display an augmented or virtual reality to the user, which may contain important information such as the stimulation parameters.

In some constructions, the PFT 500 includes one or more accelerometers (such as the motion sensor 510), and the patient provides feedback by moving the PFT 500 in various distinct patterns that are recognized by the controller 525 of the PFT 500 or by the CP. It is understood that these alternative embodiments of the PFT 620, 630, 640, and 650 may also be used to communicate to the patient of feedback signal that is correlated with a varying of the stimulation parameter as discussed above.

Though the above discussions pertaining to communicating a feedback signal to the patient via a dedicated PFT, it is understood that other suitable devices may also be used to generate and communicate the feedback signal to the patient. For example, the clinician programmer 22 may display to the patient a visual feedback signal through its graphical user interface. The visual feedback signal may change in correlation with a stimulation parameter. As another example, the clinician programmer may play a sound to the patient via its speakers. The sound may change in correlation with a stimulation parameter. In other embodiments, the patient programmer charger (PPC) and Pocket Programmer (PoP) may also be used to communicate the feedback signal to the patient such as by generating a visual feedback signal, and audible feedback signal, or haptic feedback signal. In further embodiments, a smartphone or a tablet computer may be used to communicate the feedback signal to the patient such as by generating a visual feedback signal, and audible feedback signal, or haptic feedback signal. For example, the smartphone or the tablet computer may have a custom-designed app implemented thereon. Via the app, the feedback signal may be communicated to the patient. The patient may also interact with the app to provide patient feedback regarding the efficacy of the stimulation therapy. In yet other embodiments, the feedback signal may be generated by a pad or chair on which the patient sits, or an armrest on which the patient places his/her arms. It is also understood that the feedback discussed herein may be used in any neuromodulation context, such as spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, pelvic nerve stimulation, or deep brain stimulation. In some (or all) of these embodiments, the device used to communicate the feedback signal to the patient may also be telecommunicatively coupled to the clinician programmer.

It is also envisioned that the patient may provide feedback directly to the CP. In various constructions, the patient is trained to use the particular feedback device (e.g. the PFT 500 or the CP as applicable) in order to properly inform the CP of the patient's reaction to stimuli as they are applied to the IPG in the patient. In particular constructions, the CP is programmed to learn the patient's response times and/or the magnitude of the patient's responses in order to obtain a profile of the patient's reaction to various stimuli, as discussed above.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method 700 of providing feedback to a patient regarding electrical stimulation.

The method 700 includes a step 710 of applying electrical stimulation to the patient. The applying of the electrical stimulation comprises varying an electrical stimulation parameter. The electrical stimulation is generated by a pulse generator, for example by the pulse generator 20 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2B and 8, or by a trial stimulator described in patent application Ser. No. 14/279,415, filed on May 16, 2014, entitled “System and Method of Providing Computer Assisted Stimulation Programming (CASP)” to Kaula, et. al, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the electrical stimulation parameter includes a stimulation amplitude, a stimulation frequency, a pulse width, an electrode combination, or an electrode polarity. In some embodiments, the applying of the electrical stimulation is performed at least in part in a sub-threshold region such that the patient does not feel the electrical stimulation. In some embodiments, the applying of the electrical stimulation is performed during a programming process of the electrical stimulation parameter. In some embodiments, the patient may be at least partially sedated during the programming process of the electrical stimulation parameter.

The method 700 includes a step 720 of communicating, to the patient via an electronic device, a signal that is correlated with the electrical stimulation parameter such that the signal varies in association with the varying of the electrical stimulation parameter. The communicating is performed while the electrical stimulation is applied. In some embodiments, the signal may be a haptic signal, a visual signal, an audible signal, or a temperature-based signal. In some embodiments, the communicating of the signal is performed using a patient feedback tool that is configured to be physically engaged by the patient to provide the feedback. For example, the patient feedback tool may be the PFT 500 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10A-10B. In other embodiments, the communicating of the signal is performed by an electronic programmer configured to program the electrical stimulation parameter, for example the clinician programmer 22 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2B and 7. In some embodiments, the signal communicated to the patient is linearly correlated with the electrical stimulation parameter.

The method 700 includes a step 730 of receiving feedback from the patient in response to the electrical stimulation. In some embodiments, the receiving of the feedback is also performed using the patient feedback tool discussed above.

The method 700 includes a step 740 of adjusting the electrical stimulation based on the received feedback from the patient.

It is understood that some of the steps 710-740 need not necessarily be performed sequentially unless otherwise specified. It is also understood that the method 700 may include additional steps may be performed before, during, or after the steps 710-740. For reasons of simplicity, these additional steps are not discussed in detail herein.

It is also understood that at least some embodiments of the inventions discussed in the present disclosure are configurable for use in electrically stimulating the spinal cord, and other nerves, including the peripheral nerves, sacral nerves, and the brain. It is also understood that least some embodiments of the inventions discussed in the present disclosure are implemented via hardware (such as computer memories and CPUs, etc.) and software, for example using the PFT 500 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 9-10, the clinician programmer discussed above with reference to FIG. 7, and/or the implantable pulse generator discussed above with reference to FIG. 8.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a simplified block diagram of a medical infrastructure 800 (which may also be considered a medical system) is illustrated according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The medical infrastructure 800 includes a plurality of medical devices 810. These medical devices 810 may each be a programmable medical device (or parts thereof) that can deliver a medical therapy to a patient. In some embodiments, the medical devices 810 may include a device of the neurostimulator system discussed above. For example, the medical devices 810 may be a pulse generator (e.g., the IPG discussed above), an implantable lead, a charger, or portions thereof. It is understood that each of the medical devices 810 may be a different type of medical device. In other words, the medical devices 810 need not be the same type of medical device.

The medical infrastructure 800 also includes a plurality of electronic programmers 820. For sake of illustration, one of these electronic programmers 820A is illustrated in more detail and discussed in detail below. Nevertheless, it is understood that each of the electronic programmers 820 may be implemented similar to the electronic programmer 820A.

In some embodiments, the electronic programmer 820A may be a clinician programmer, for example the clinician programmer discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2B and 7. In other embodiments, the electronic programmer 820A may be a patient programmer discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2B-6. In further embodiments, it is understood that the electronic programmer may be a tablet computer. In any case, the electronic programmer 820A is configured to program the stimulation parameters of the medical devices 810 so that a desired medical therapy can be delivered to a patient.

The electronic programmer 820A contains a communications component 830 that is configured to conduct electronic communications with external devices. For example, the communications device 830 may include a transceiver. The transceiver contains various electronic circuitry components configured to conduct telecommunications with one or more external devices. The electronic circuitry components allow the transceiver to conduct telecommunications in one or more of the wired or wireless telecommunications protocols, including communications protocols such as IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.15 (Bluetooth), GSM, CDMA, LTE, WIMAX, DLNA, HDMI, Medical Implant Communication Service (MICS), etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver includes antennas, filters, switches, various kinds of amplifiers such as low-noise amplifiers or power amplifiers, digital-to-analog (DAC) converters, analog-to-digital (ADC) converters, mixers, multiplexers and demultiplexers, oscillators, and/or phase-locked loops (PLLs). Some of these electronic circuitry components may be integrated into a single discrete device or an integrated circuit (IC) chip.

The electronic programmer 820A contains a touchscreen component 840. The touchscreen component 840 may display a touch-sensitive graphical user interface that is responsive to gesture-based user interactions. The touch-sensitive graphical user interface may detect a touch or a movement of a user's finger(s) on the touchscreen and interpret these user actions accordingly to perform appropriate tasks. The graphical user interface may also utilize a virtual keyboard to receive user input. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive screen may be a capacitive touchscreen. In other embodiments, the touch-sensitive screen may be a resistive touchscreen.

It is understood that the electronic programmer 820A may optionally include additional user input/output components that work in conjunction with the touchscreen component 840 to carry out communications with a user. For example, these additional user input/output components may include physical and/or virtual buttons (such as power and volume buttons) on or off the touch-sensitive screen, physical and/or virtual keyboards, mouse, track balls, speakers, microphones, light-sensors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), communications ports (such as USB or HDMI ports), joy-sticks, etc.

The electronic programmer 820A contains an imaging component 850. The imaging component 850 is configured to capture an image of a target device via a scan. For example, the imaging component 850 may be a camera in some embodiments. The camera may be integrated into the electronic programmer 820A. The camera can be used to take a picture of a medical device, or scan a visual code of the medical device, for example its barcode or Quick Response (QR) code.

The electronic programmer contains a memory storage component 860. The memory storage component 860 may include system memory, (e.g., RAM), static storage (e.g., ROM), or a disk drive (e.g., magnetic or optical), or any other suitable types of computer readable storage media. For example, some common types of computer readable media may include floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, CD-ROM, any other optical medium, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer is adapted to read. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. The computer readable medium is tangible, concrete, and non-transitory. Logic (for example in the form of computer software code or computer instructions) may be encoded in such computer readable medium. In some embodiments, the memory storage component 860 (or a portion thereof) may be configured as a local database capable of storing electronic records of medical devices and/or their associated patients.

The electronic programmer contains a processor component 870. The processor component 870 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) a micro-controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), or another suitable electronic processor capable of handling and executing instructions. In various embodiments, the processor component 870 may be implemented using various digital circuit blocks (including logic gates such as AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR gates, etc.) along with certain software code. In some embodiments, the processor component 870 may execute one or more sequences computer instructions contained in the memory storage component 860 to perform certain tasks.

It is understood that hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of (or in combination with) software instructions to implement various aspects of the present disclosure. Where applicable, various embodiments provided by the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations of hardware and software. Also, where applicable, the various hardware components and/or software components set forth herein may be combined into composite components comprising software, hardware, and/or both without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Where applicable, the various hardware components and/or software components set forth herein may be separated into sub-components comprising software, hardware, or both without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, where applicable, it is contemplated that software components may be implemented as hardware components and vice-versa.

It is also understood that the electronic programmer 820A is not necessarily limited to the components 830-870 discussed above, but it may further include additional components that are used to carry out the programming tasks. These additional components are not discussed herein for reasons of simplicity. It is also understood that the medical infrastructure 800 may include a plurality of electronic programmers similar to the electronic programmer 820A discussed herein, but they are not illustrated in FIG. 13 for reasons of simplicity.

The medical infrastructure 800 also includes an institutional computer system 890. The institutional computer system 890 is coupled to the electronic programmer 820A. In some embodiments, the institutional computer system 890 is a computer system of a healthcare institution, for example a hospital. The institutional computer system 890 may include one or more computer servers and/or client terminals that may each include the necessary computer hardware and software for conducting electronic communications and performing programmed tasks. In various embodiments, the institutional computer system 890 may include communications devices (e.g., transceivers), user input/output devices, memory storage devices, and computer processor devices that may share similar properties with the various components 830-870 of the electronic programmer 820A discussed above. For example, the institutional computer system 890 may include computer servers that are capable of electronically communicating with the electronic programmer 820A through the MICS protocol or another suitable networking protocol.

The medical infrastructure 800 includes a database 900. In various embodiments, the database 900 is a remote database—that is, located remotely to the institutional computer system 890 and/or the electronic programmer 820A. The database 900 is electronically or communicatively (for example through the Internet) coupled to the institutional computer system 890 and/or the electronic programmer. In some embodiments, the database 900, the institutional computer system 890, and the electronic programmer 820A are parts of a cloud-based architecture. In that regard, the database 900 may include cloud-based resources such as mass storage computer servers with adequate memory resources to handle requests from a variety of clients. The institutional computer system 890 and the electronic programmer 820A (or their respective users) may both be considered clients of the database 900. In certain embodiments, the functionality between the cloud-based resources and its clients may be divided up in any appropriate manner. For example, the electronic programmer 820A may perform basic input/output interactions with a user, but a majority of the processing and caching may be performed by the cloud-based resources in the database 900. However, other divisions of responsibility are also possible in various embodiments.

According to the various aspects of the present disclosure, various types of data may be uploaded from the electronic programmer 820A to the database 900. The data saved in the database 900 may thereafter be downloaded by any of the other electronic programmers 820B-820N communicatively coupled to it, assuming the user of these programmers has the right login permissions.

The database 900 may also include a manufacturer's database in some embodiments. It may be configured to manage an electronic medical device inventory, monitor manufacturing of medical devices, control shipping of medical devices, and communicate with existing or potential buyers (such as a healthcare institution). For example, communication with the buyer may include buying and usage history of medical devices and creation of purchase orders. A message can be automatically generated when a client (for example a hospital) is projected to run out of equipment, based on the medical device usage trend analysis done by the database. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the database 900 is able to provide these functionalities at least in part via communication with the electronic programmer 820A and in response to the data sent by the electronic programmer 820A. These functionalities of the database 900 and its communications with the electronic programmer 820A will be discussed in greater detail later.

The medical infrastructure 800 further includes a manufacturer computer system 910. The manufacturer computer system 910 is also electronically or communicatively (for example through the Internet) coupled to the database 900. Hence, the manufacturer computer system 910 may also be considered a part of the cloud architecture. The computer system 910 is a computer system of medical device manufacturer, for example a manufacturer of the medical devices 810 and/or the electronic programmer 820A.

In various embodiments, the manufacturer computer system 910 may include one or more computer servers and/or client terminals that each includes the necessary computer hardware and software for conducting electronic communications and performing programmed tasks. In various embodiments, the manufacturer computer system 910 may include communications devices (e.g., transceivers), user input/output devices, memory storage devices, and computer processor devices that may share similar properties with the various components 830-870 of the electronic programmer 820A discussed above. Since both the manufacturer computer system 910 and the electronic programmer 820A are coupled to the database 900, the manufacturer computer system 910 and the electronic programmer 820A can conduct electronic communication with each other.

The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description that follows. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing feedback to a patient regarding electrical stimulation, comprising: applying electrical stimulation to the patient, the electrical stimulation being programmed by an electronic programmer and delivered by a pulse generator, wherein the applying of the electrical stimulation comprises varying an electrical stimulation parameter of the electrical stimulation, and wherein the applying of the electrical stimulation is performed at least in part in a sub-threshold region such that the patient does not feel the electrical stimulation; communicating, in response to the applying of the electrical stimulation to the patient, and to the patient via an electronic device that is different from the electronic programmer, a non-visual signal that is correlated with the electrical stimulation parameter such that the non-visual signal varies in association with the varying of the electrical stimulation parameter, wherein the communicating is performed without first receiving a patient engagement with the electronic device and while the electrical stimulation is applied in the sub-threshold region; receiving feedback from the patient in response to the electrical stimulation; and adjusting the electrical stimulation based on the received feedback from the patient.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusting the electrical stimulation comprises changing a value of the electrical stimulation parameter at least in part via the electronic programmer and the pulse generator.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a patient feedback tool that is configured to generate the non-visual signal and also configured to be physically engaged by the patient, and wherein the receiving of the feedback from the patient comprises detecting a physical engagement from the patient via the patient feedback tool.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the detecting the physical engagement comprises measuring an amount of force applied by the patient to the patient feedback tool.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein: the electrical stimulation parameter comprises a stimulation amplitude, a stimulation frequency, a pulse width, an electrode combination, and electrode polarity; and the non-visual signal comprises a haptic signal, an audible signal, or a temperature-based signal.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the non-visual signal is linearly correlated with the electrical stimulation parameter.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the communicating comprises simultaneously communicating both a first non-visual signal and a second non-visual signal as the non-visual signal, wherein the first non-visual signal and the second non-visual signal are each correlated with the electrical stimulation parameter, such that the first non-visual signal and the second non-visual signal each vary in association with the varying of the electrical stimulation parameter, wherein the first non-visual signal and the second non-visual signal are different types of non-visual signals.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying of the electrical stimulation is performed during a programming process of the electrical stimulation parameter and wherein the programming process is performed while the patient is at least partially sedated.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the non-visual signal comprises a temperature-based signal.
 10. A method of providing feedback to a patient regarding electrical stimulation, comprising: instructing, at least in part via an electronic programmer, a pulse generator to generate electrical stimulation to be delivered to the patient before the patient can feel the electrical stimulation, wherein the electrical stimulation includes one or more electrical stimulation parameters; instructing, at least in part via the electronic programmer, the pulse generator to vary one of the electrical stimulation parameters; and communicating, in response to the one of the electrical stimulation parameters being varied, and to the patient via an electronic device that is separate from the electronic programmer and while the patient is at least partially sedated, a non-visual signal that varies as the one of the electrical stimulation parameters is being varied before the patient can feel the electrical stimulation, and wherein the communicating is performed without first receiving a patient engagement with the electronic device.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: in response to the communicating, receiving feedback from the patient with respect to an efficacy of the electrical stimulation.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the receiving the feedback comprises measuring an amount of force applied by the patient to the electronic device.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more electrical stimulation parameters include a stimulation amplitude, a stimulation frequency, a stimulation pulse width, an electrode combination, and electrode polarity.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein: the instructing the pulse generator to vary the one of the electrical stimulation parameters comprises instructing the pulse generator to progressively increase the stimulation amplitude, the stimulation frequency, or the stimulation pulse width; and the communicating comprises progressively increasing an intensity of the non-visual signal as the stimulation amplitude, the stimulation frequency, or the stimulation pulse width is progressively increased.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein: the instructing the pulse generator to vary the one of the electrical stimulation parameters comprises instructing the pulse generator to switch between a plurality of electrode combinations; and the communicating comprises communicating a different non-visual signal to the patient via the electronic device for each electrode combination.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein: the instructing the pulse generator to vary the one of the electrical stimulation parameters comprises instructing the pulse generator to switch between an anodic current and a cathodic current; and the communicating comprises communicating a first non-visual signal when the anodic current is switched on and communicating a second non-visual signal when the cathodic current is switched on.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the non-visual signal comprises a haptic signal, an audible signal, or a temperature signal.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the instructing the pulse generator and the communicating are performed using different electronic devices.
 19. A method of providing feedback to a patient regarding electrical stimulation, comprising: applying electrical stimulation to the patient via a pulse generator that is programmed by an electronic programmer, the electrical stimulation being applied while the patient is at least partially sedated, wherein the applying of the electrical stimulation comprises varying an electrical stimulation parameter that includes a stimulation amplitude, a stimulation frequency, a stimulation pulse width, an electrode combination, or an electrode polarity; simultaneously communicating, in response to the applying of the electrical stimulation to the patient, a first signal and a second signal each having a respective property to the patient via an electronic device that is separate from the electronic programmer and while the electrical stimulation is applied, wherein the communicating is performed without first receiving a patient engagement with the electronic device, wherein the respective property of the first signal and the second signal each varies in conjunction with the varying of the electrical stimulation parameter, and wherein at least one of the first signal and the second signal is a non-visual signal; receiving feedback from the patient in response to the electrical stimulation; and adjusting the electrical stimulation based on the received feedback from the patient.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the applying of the electrical stimulation is performed at least in part in a sub-threshold region such that the patient does not feel the electrical stimulation; the electronic device is a patient feedback tool that is configured to generate the first signal and the second signal and be physically engaged by the patient; the first signal or the second signal includes a vibrational signal, an audible signal, or a temperature-related signal; and the receiving of the feedback from the patient comprises detecting a physical engagement from the patient via the patient feedback tool. 